India-based herbal exports specialist Laila has developed a synergistic blend of Brahmi herb and haritaki fruit for use in dietary supplements and functional products targeting age-associated cognitive decline.

Writing in its international patent filing​​, Laila Nutraceuticals said the Brahmi herb (Bacopa monnieri​) and haritaki fruit (Terminalia chebula​) had been selected after random screening of several natural origin sources. Bacopa monnieri ​is a nootropic agent widely used in Ayurveda traditional medicine for improving cognition and Terminalia chebula​ is traditionally used to for digestive disorders and 'metabolic harmony', said the filing.

However, the company said it “surprisingly found”​ the two are “more potent”​ together, working synergistically to improve brain health and brain functions.

“There is a continuous need in the art to provide highly potent alternative treatments comprising highly effective herbal extracts for improving brain health and brain function. Moreover, there is a need in the art for better treatment options that provide minimal side effects thereby making the option safe for human consumption, especially when used in long-term therapy,”​ the company wrote in its patent filing.

The blend can be formulated into a variety of dosage forms, including dry powders, liquids, dietary supplements, gummies, and even functional food and beverage products like chocolate, snack bars, jams or yoghurt.

The 'cholinergic hypothesis'​

Laila Nutraceuticals said the synergistic blend is well-suited for use in ageing consumers with cognitive decline or more serious conditions, such as dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's because of how it worked in the brain.

The blend works in relation to the well documented 'cholinergic hypothesis' – the theory that deficiency of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, sparks symptoms of degenerative diseases like age-associated memory impairment and senile dementias. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) – the enzyme that breaks down this important neurotransmitter – the blend ensures increased acetylcholine levels in the brain which helps nerve cells communicate better and therefore improves memory, retention and attention, the company said.

Importantly, the two ingredients in combination have a stronger ability to inhibit AChE.

For example, blended at a ratio of 2:1 (Bacopa monnier​: Terminalia chebula​) the AChE inhibition percentage is 38.17% at 50 μg/mL concentration which is “superior than the additive effect” ​calculated from the inhibitions showed by the individual ingredients.​

Individually, the Bacopa monnieri​ extract at 33.33 μg/mL and Terminalia chebula​ extract at 16.67 μg/mL concentrations showed AChE inhibitions of 17.71% and 9.18% respectively, which only add to 26.89%, Laila Nutraceuticals said. Similarly, switching the blend to a 1:2 ratio with Bacopa monnieri​ at 16.67 μg/mL and Terminalia chebula​ at 33.33 μg/mL, the inhibition percentage (36.49%) remained higher than the additive effect (26.71%).

However, the highest combined inhibition percentage was achieved with a 1:1 ratio of 25 μg: 25 μg, providing 40.44% AChE inhibition, the company said.

In addition to potent AChE inhibitory effects, the combination of both extracts also shows strong antioxidant potential, Laila Nutraceuticals said, with superior Superoxide Scavenging Activity when used in combination.

Laila Nutraceuticals said testing in rats showed the blend's capability at improving impulsivity, learning and memory enhancement and could protect from dementia.